Thanks for the warning. And Alkaline, is there a program like WWMT that works with Blender?
How to Model
There isn't one for Blender but it's definitely worth learning 3DS Max to have this plugin. If you do stick with Blender, you can use GUIstudiomdl (http://www.wunderboy.org/apps/guistudiomdl2.php) and manually type up the .qc file, BUT I think it broke with the Steampipe update.
I recommend WWMT because it correctly sets up a collision model (which is a pain to do without WWMT) and it works with layers and textures. I think it still works after the Steampipe update.
As for other things to say, when you learn how to model it really opens up a whole new level of detail you can add to your maps. Here are some examples:However it becomes time consuming when UV mapping textures (along with its own size restrictions), running into compiling errors, and the polygon limit.Spoiler: IMAGES! (click to show/hide)